Sheldon Joseph, a student at Walter Panas High School, earned statewide recognition while representing Yorktown American Legion Post 1009 in the 2026 American Legion Department of New York Oratorical Contest.
After winning the county, district and zone championships, Joseph advanced to the state finals, where he placed third overall, becoming the first Walter Panas High School student to reach the competition's state finals.
His original speech, "The Power of the Purse," examined the U.S. economy and inflation through the lens of constitutional government and fiscal responsibility, earning him more than $4,500 in scholarships.
Outside the oratorical contest, Joseph serves as senior class president at Walter Panas High School and is the founder and president of the Walter Panas Investment Club, where he promotes financial literacy and leadership among students.
Information provided by Sheldon Joseph
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